These are not headlines anyone would like. The media in the state has been covering the deaths of Russian tourists in various parts of the state. Yes, it seems to be cases of natural death and a suicide as per early reports. Now Goa is a state that depends heavily on tourism. Domestic and international tourists, especially the single female traveler, come to Goa because of its reputation for being a safe destination.
Members of the hospitality industry had interesting reactions to these developments. Ernest Dias VP Kuoni Travel India said such things should not happen. He said “It gives a bad name to Goa. This is especially true for single travelers who may not want to come. It scares people away, especially in these times. When we are asking for borders to open, we don’t want something like this. Anyone coming from any of the countries from where we get our tourists may have second thoughts. So many deaths will scare people away.”
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Nilesh Shah, President TTAG felt it was a one off incident and since Goa was a small place it always came into the spotlight. One had to be on guard and ensure deaths due to crime events did not occur. He said “I don’t think it will affect the flow of travelers into the state. Safety standards have to be maintained. We have to send the right signal to everyone coming to Goa. Yes, the person committed suicide; we just need to put in more precautions in the system.”
Savio Messias the former President of TTAG said the incidents were very unfortunate but felt Goa had a name on the international market and those interested in coming over to Goa would make the journey as and when the borders opened. He said such incidents took place in other tourist spots. Savio said “You see this happening in Vietnam, Thailand; many of them are involved in drugs. We will be ok”.
Sheik Ismail of Concorde Charters felt the incidents were very unfortunate. He said “Please understand this happened when international tourism was not happening. Even then it is a black mark for us in the business. We have to carefully handle the situation. Our government and the cops should provide safety and show Goa is all about providing a safe experience for the tourists.”
Abida Kumar of Minar Travels, another charter operator, said the border was presently shut and felt these incidents would not cause any problems. He said “Everyone who has visited Goa knows the place very well. It will not be a problem. These people have been staying here for a while. There has been a lockdown for a year and a half. We are waiting for the flights to commence perhaps in a bubble. We have to wait and pray. It has been a long wait.”
Another long time player in the business Aloo Gomes of Trail Blazers felt it would not have an effect since it looked like a case of natural causes. And it was also so far away from the season which was still a couple of months away. He felt there was no need to worry.
Goa definitely has a name in the international market and this may be just a tiny bump on the long road. The past couple of years have been terrible for the industry. One can only hope when the virus subsides and the borders are ready to be opened, the tourism industry enjoys a good season.
